Corporate governance in focus: how audit committee characteristics shape the auditor’s report

Abstract

Purpose: The research aims to analyze the main qualitative characteristics of the independent auditor's report and the audit committee's report of companies listed on the B3 (Brazilian Stock Exchange). Methodology: The research is descriptive, and the data presents information from 189 different companies according to the stock exchange classification, 10 sectors, and 19 subsectors. Results: For the audit committees, a consistent increase in the publication of Audit Committee Reports was observed, reflecting greater transparency and commitment to good corporate governance practices. Additionally, the frequency of meetings varied according to the sector and the economic context, with an increase in years of instability, evidencing greater activity of the committees during critical periods. Contributions of the Study: To offer a little-explored national empirical approach, as well as to propose an integrated view between audit and governance. It is recommended that future studies advance in measuring the effectiveness of these committees based on objective performance indicators and financial impacts on companies.